The Salted Caramel Irish Coffee is a modern twist on the classic Irish Coffee, which itself has a rather charming origin story. Legend has it that Irish Coffee was invented in 1943 by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Port near Limerick, Ireland. He added whiskey to coffee to warm up American passengers whose flight had been turned back due to bad weather. When asked if it was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan quipped, "No, it's Irish Coffee."
Our salted caramel version takes this warming tradition and gives it a trendy, indulgent twist that's perfect for those chilly November evenings. Here's what you'll need to create this liquid hug in a mug:
Salted Caramel Irish Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 oz Irish whiskey (like Jameson or Bushmills)
- 1 oz salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Caramel sauce and sea salt flakes for garnish
For homemade salted caramel sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- If making your own salted caramel sauce, start by combining sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the sugar turns a deep amber color, then remove from heat and carefully stir in cream, butter, and salt. Let it cool slightly.
- In a warm Irish coffee mug or heat-resistant glass, stir together the hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and salted caramel sauce until well combined.
- Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Don't be shy - it's the holidays, after all.
- Drizzle with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle with a few flakes of sea salt.
- Serve immediately, preferably by a roaring fire or while watching the Thanksgiving Day parade.
Now, why is this the perfect cocktail for our Thanksgiving-themed month? Well, pull up a chair and let me spill the (coffee) beans. First, it embodies the cozy, indulgent spirit of the holiday season. The combination of warm coffee and smooth Irish whiskey is like a hug for your insides, perfect for those chilly November evenings.
The salted caramel adds a luxurious sweetness that's reminiscent of all those holiday desserts we can't wait to devour. It's like having your pie and drinking it too. The touch of salt cuts through the sweetness, providing a perfect balance - much like how Aunt Carol's dry humor cuts through Uncle Bob's long-winded stories at the dinner table.
But perhaps most importantly, it's a versatile drink that can serve multiple purposes during the Thanksgiving festivities. Need a pick-me-up to power through meal prep? Salted Caramel Irish Coffee. Looking for a dessert drink to serve with pie? Salted Caramel Irish Coffee. Need something to keep you awake during the post-turkey football game? You guessed it - Salted Caramel Irish Coffee.
This drink is more than just a beverage - it's a multi-tasking marvel. It's the caffeinated companion that'll keep you going from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade all the way through to the last slice of midnight turkey sandwich.
Whip this up for your holiday gatherings, and watch as your guests forget all about the pumpkin spice lattes they've been guzzling since September. It's the perfect way to toast to good food, good company, and the invention of the coffee machine.
Next week, we'll be shaking up another Thanksgiving favorite, so make sure to tune in. Until then, happy mixing, enjoy responsibly, and remember - in life, as in this cocktail, it's important to maintain a healthy balance of sweet, salty, and spirited!
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]